The Swapo Party has raked in a total amount of N$1 658 250 for the November elective congress at a fund raising gala dinner held at the Windhoek Country Club on Wednesday night.

The gala dinner was attended by representatives from the private sector as well as politicians, however, members of Team Swapo were not present at the function which will finance the elective congress activities from 23 to 27 November.

A total amount of N$ 282 750 was raised from portrait auctions while pledges amounting to a total of N$ 1 375 500 were made.

Speaking at the occasion, President Hage Geingob said that this fund will be used for the congress and not for his campaigns.

“This is not Hage’s money, this is Swapo money. It will be used for the congress and not to support my campaign. We cannot depend on the government alone that is why we have business people and we call on you to support us in this regard for the congress. The party has fought for the country’s independence so why not pay back something?

We are here to collect form you,” Geingob has said.

He added that the Namibian house has been built on a strong foundation and whoever wins the party’s presidency must unite the Namibian people in order to become one happy nation.

The President regarded inclusivity of people as number one priority.

Swapo vice-president candidate, Helmut Angula told The Villager that Team Swapo was campaigning in other regions when the event took place.

“Even if the team did not attend, their supporters did and they did offer their support in terms of funding. We would definitely have attended but because of campaigns we did not. It was the party’s fund raising event after all, and we are party members, so there is no reason that should have stopped us from attending,” Angula said.